Names and descriptions of the Three Rings

Nenya, The Ring of Water, also called the Ring of Adamant, made of mithril with a shimmering white stone; originally worn by Celebrimbor himself but given to Galadriel

Vilya, The Ring of Air, gold with a sapphire stone; originally worn by Gil-galad but given to Elrond.

They remained hidden and their whereabouts were seldom revealed. Frodo Baggins learned that Nenya was worn by Galadriel, who used it to protect Lothlórien from attack. Frodo later carelessly revealed this to Aragorn, who reprimanded him for doing so.

The other two rings were revealed at the end of the Third Age, after Frodo destroyed the One Ring, and the Dark Lord Sauron was completely overthrown. It transpired that Elrond had wielded Vilya and Gandalf had wielded Narya.

After the destruction of the One Ring, the bearers of the Three Rings gradually left Middle Earth, the power of their rings possibly diminished.

Portrayal in adaptations

In the introduction of the movie, the Three Rings are said to be made "for the tall Elf Kings". Three unidentified silhuettes are seen holding the Rings. It is not mentioned who those Elf Kings were (besides Gil-Galad).